What Does Donnie Avery's Big Game Mean for Colts, Fantasy Football Owners?

Donnie Avery must be the type of person who seizes opportunities as opposed to shrinking from the moment. I'm thinking about taking him to Vegas to help recoup my rent money after the early games destroyed my bank account.

Apparently, Avery didn't appreciate that. He took the opportunity provided by Collie's absence and announced he wanted to sit at the adult's table. Avery went wild with nine catches for 111 yards.

Now it's time to do some digging and find out what his statement game means.

Chemistry and Reliability Trump Potential, For Now

Avery isn't the type of player who is going to out-jump defensive backs. He also isn't going to break ankles with his cuts or make the highlight play that leads SportsCenter. He does have quite a bit of speed; it just hasn't translated to large gains.

What he does do is catch everything that is thrown to him and be exactly where the quarterback would expect him to be at the proper moment. As any smart signal-caller should, Andrew Luck values these attributes.

He targeted Avery eight times in the season opener. He continued that trend against the Minnesota Vikings and was rewarded with the consistency that Avery can provide.

Hilton's explosiveness will surely be tapped someday by the Colts. For now, Luck will continue to rely on the steady hands of Avery instead.

Avery Is a Viable Fantasy Starter

Everything depends on the type that league you are in, but Avery is gaining traction as a valuable fantasy starter.

In PPR leagues, he is at least a permanent third wide receiver. As mentioned above, Luck will continue going to the well, which will give you at least five points a week.

In standard leagues, things are a little murkier. His lack of height means he isn't much of a red-zone target, but he is getting quite a few yards thanks to the volume of targets he receives.

I'd have no problem starting him. However, if he's your No. 2, you might be in trouble.

The Colts Gambled and Got Lucky

Avery looked to be building a career with the St. Louis Rams until a knee injury led to his dismissal from the franchise. He recovered well enough to get into eight games in Tennessee last year but didn't contribute much (three receptions, 45 yards, one touchdown).

Indianapolis decided to give the kid a chance to get back on track. If the early results are any indication of the future, the Colts just found themselves a nice weapon to grow with their young quarterback.

The Colts' victory over the Vikings aside, they're not going to the postseason this year. However, Avery's emergence means they have found another building block to add to the foundation.